NEW DELHI: (Bernama-Anadolu) Several Indian states have rolled out relief measures amid sweltering temperatures witnessed in several parts of the South Asian nation, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported Tuesday (April 28).
The Indian Meteorological Department said in a statement that maximum daytime temperatures were in the range of 40-46 degrees Celsius (104-114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) across most parts of the country, except the Himalayan region, northeast Bihar and northeast India.
The department said the highest maximum temperature of 47.6 degrees Celsius (117.68 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded in Banda in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Monday (April 27).
"Heatwave conditions are likely to persist over isolated to scattered pockets of Central India today (April 28) and are expected to ease thereafter,” it said.
Weather experts said that this year, India is witnessing heatwaves earlier than usual.
"The reasons are multiple, including the persistence of dry weather,” Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather Services, told Anadolu.
He said relief was expected from Wednesday (April 29) as weather conditions are likely to change.
As the sweltering temperatures have disrupted daily life, several Indian states have announced measures.
Earlier this month, authorities in the Indian capital, New Delhi, announced several measures for schools, including ringing bells to remind students to drink water regularly amid the summer heat.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that detailed guidelines had been issued to all departments to ensure public safety.
Among the measures announced by Gupta are mandatory rest periods for workers from 1pm to 4pm, along with arrangements for water and shade.
In schools, priority will be given to ensuring access to cool drinking water for children, and the transport department will install water counters at bus stops, Gupta said.
Other states have also initiated measures, including revising school timings, while authorities in the eastern state of Odisha have announced summer holidays for schools from Monday in view of the heat conditions.
The state also reported the deaths of two school teachers who were part of the ongoing census exercise, allegedly due to sunstroke.
With soaring temperatures in many parts of the country, doctors have advised people to take precautions.
"In view of the temperatures, people should take precautions. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, need to be more careful,” said Dr D Bahera, a respiratory medicine specialist in northern India, told Anadolu.
Several hospitals have stepped up efforts to provide additional care to patients.
In New Delhi, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has established a specialised heatstroke unit to treat patients. - Bernama-Anadolu
